TAXI travellers are being warned not to fall into the clutches of bogus cabbies.

Bury Council is calling on people to be careful following a string of attacks on young women in Manchester by individuals claiming to be taxi drivers.

Councillor Pam Walker, public protection spokesman, said that the council had frequently issued warnings about getting into cabs which are not properly signed, or private hire vehicles which have not been booked.

"Bona fide cab drivers go out of their way to protect their reputations and trade, but there are the unlicensed and unregistered few who will always attempt to take advantage," she said. "This can leave customers vulnerable not only to rip-off charges but also to attacks such as the ones which have taken place recently. A few minor checks before getting into a taxi can make all the difference."

The council makes the following suggestions:

Never use a private hire vehicle unless it has been booked. Such vehicles have signs which say "advanced booking only".

Women travelling alone should sit in the back seat.

Check that vehicles carry external identification plates: white for Hackney carriages, yellow for private hire.

Check that your driver is wearing a photo ID badge, and that a similar badge is in the windscreen near the tax disc.

Hackney carriages are metered, and drivers cannot charge more than the tariff agreed by the council. Private hire vehicles charge different rates, but these are also agreed by the council.